LISTING AGENTS, DO YOU OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO SELLERS?

A few years ago I listed a home that had been through at least three Realtors.  The sellers were really wanting to sell and were getting discouraged.  They asked me why their home had not sold.  I explained to them that the paint color on their shutters and front door was extremely dated and needed to be changed.

Also, the entry and up the staircase needed a more neutral paint color.  It was painted a mauve color. and looked like the 80's.  I told them if they wanted to sell their home, they would have to make these adjustments.  They did and it SOLD!  It is amazing what paint can do!

Last year a very sweet couple called and wanted me to list their nearly new home.  The home was immaculate and had a great floor plan.  But, it was painted a light pink and some rooms were purple.  It was really pretty the way she had it decorated.  I explained that it would be a hard sell with the paint color.  They wanted to go ahead and list it and see what happened.  I said yes, with the understanding that we would repaint if needed.

We got a low offer, with the stipulation that we would give a $3500.00 paint allowance.  The offer was rejected but it made the seller more aware of the power of paint!  They finally decided to paint the main area of the home a neutral beige.  It looked great and the house SOLD! 

Do you offer constructive criticism to sellers? 

 

                                                              http://maryjpaul.com

 
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6 Comments on LISTING AGENTS, DO YOU OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO SELLERS?

I usually tell my sellers what you do. In the beginning I was afraid to hurt feelings but I have figured out better to tell them up front so they don't blame the agent if it takes longer to sell.

04/29/2008 08:22 AM by Jennifer Davis (RE/MAX Advantage)


Nice reminder post, yes it is best to go neutral when selling your home. I just list the blue living room house, with blue Carpet and blue Furniture. They too will need to paint a neutral Beige!

04/29/2008 08:31 AM by Mary Strang, WI Real Estate (RE/MAX Hill Country)


Yes, I think you should tell sellers, they need to know so 2 months down the road and there house has not sold you made them aware of the issues they needed to fix, paint, or what ever else it maybe.

04/29/2008 11:33 AM by Shannon Whitley RE/MAX OAK CREST REALTY (RE/MAX OAK CREST REALTY)


Jennifer,

Thanks for the response.  I think if we explain to them that it will help the sell, most are willing to paint.

04/29/2008 04:28 PM by Mary Paul, ABR,CRS,GRI, SEARCY, AR RE/MAX (RE/MAX Advantage Realtors)


Mary,

Good luck with the blue house!  I call neutral beige paint, "Real Estate Beige" that is what sells.  If your seller just won't paint, maybe they could do a paint and carpet allowance.  I have one like that, I got an offer on it today, I hope it works.  Thanks

04/29/2008 04:31 PM by Mary Paul, ABR,CRS,GRI, SEARCY, AR RE/MAX (RE/MAX Advantage Realtors)


Shannon,

I totally agree!  If we don't tell them the next agent may!  Thanks for the response!

04/29/2008 04:32 PM by Mary Paul, ABR,CRS,GRI, SEARCY, AR RE/MAX (RE/MAX Advantage Realtors)


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Real Estate Agent: Mary Paul, ABR,CRS,GRI, SEARCY, AR RE/MAX (RE/MAX Advantage Realtors)
Mary Paul, ABR,CRS,GRI, SEARCY, AR RE/MAX
Searcy, AR
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